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Nabi upbeat about T20 World Cup after series win against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi said winning the T20 series against Zimbabwe is the perfect build-up towards this year’s T20 World Cup for a team filled with exciting young players.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Nabi said: “Every series is important for Afghanistan and winning this series was very important and I feel it is really good preparation for the World Cup as well.”
“We have given chances to youngsters and we are looking forward to these youngsters [developing further] and hopefully we will have a good side in the World Cup.”
Nabi also said that playing in Abu Dhabi will help their bowling unit grow given that the surface offers no significant help thereby necessitating new and different plans to contain opposition.
“The wicket is not suitable for bowling most of the time when we are playing at Abu Dhabi ground. Most of the time it is a batting wicket. We are trying different variations all the time as sometimes you are trying to skid the ball sometimes you are trying top-spin and sometimes you are trying slower ones,” he said.
Nabi’s all-round display – 40-run cameo off 15 and 2 for 20 in three overs, following Karim Janat’s explosive half-century set up Afghanistan’s series-clinching 45-run victory in the second T20I.
Cricbuzz reported the likes of Rahmunallah Gurbaz, Karim Janat and Usman Ghani have evolved into becoming the pillars of Afghanistan’s T20 batting with other proven performers like Nabi playing around them with lesser burden on their shoulders.
But Nabi, the veteran all-rounder underscored the importance of playing in different franchise leagues around the globe and said this helped him develop as a cricketer, lessons he is now sharing with his teammates.
“Franchise cricket is helping a lot as there are quality bowlers and batsmen and when we came back to the national side we take that experience and bring it here and share that experience with the youngsters as well and it helps during the game.
“Most of the time I am friendly with the youngsters in the dressing room and as I am friendly with then they share their problems and ask me easily regarding their batting and bowling and I share my experience with them and I really enjoy talking with the youngsters,” Nabi said.
International Sports
IPL 2026: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond says his side’s bowlers must start “doing something different” after another disappointing defeat in IPL 2026 left the team slipping down the points table.
RR suffered a heavy loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday after conceding more than 200 runs for the fourth straight match. The defeat pushed them down to fifth place with only three league games remaining.
The problems started early when fast bowler Jofra Archer struggled badly in the opening over, needing 11 balls to complete it after bowling a no-ball and several wides. The over cost RR 18 runs and set the tone for another difficult evening.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan said Archer appeared rusty after the team’s eight-day break and suggested Jaipur’s pitches are not helping RR’s pace attack.
Bond admitted RR’s bowling has not adapted well enough to the aggressive batting seen throughout this year’s IPL.
“You’ve got to be doing something different,” Bond said after the match. “Batsmen are developing new shots and putting bowlers under pressure, so bowlers also need to develop new skills and new plans.”
He added that bowlers must improve both their decision-making and execution, while using analysts more effectively to study opposition batting patterns.
Despite their recent slump, RR remain in contention for the playoffs, although their form has become a growing concern after a strong start to the season.
Meanwhile, IPL action continues on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings taking on Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon match, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Mumbai Indians in a high-profile evening clash.
Chennai Super Kings will look to revive their inconsistent campaign against a Lucknow side still fighting for a playoff place, while Bengaluru and Mumbai meet in what could prove crucial in the race for the top four.
Both matches will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
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